To see views on Instagram, the process depends on the type of content and your account type:
Viewing Instagram Post Views
- For Video Posts:
You can see the number of views directly below the video on the post without extra steps. For photos, Instagram does not show view counts, only likes and comments
-
Using Instagram Insights:
To access detailed view counts and other engagement metrics (likes, comments, shares, saves), you must switch your account to a Professional Account (Business or Creator).
Steps to switch:- Go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines (menu).
- Select Settings & Privacy > Account Type and Tools > Switch to Professional Account.
- Choose either Business or Creator and follow the prompts. Once switched, open your profile, tap the post you want to check, and tap View Insights below the post. Here you can see views, reach, and engagement metrics
Viewing Instagram Reel Views
- Reels also show view counts and insights similar to video posts. After switching to a professional account, you can tap a reel, then tap View Insights to see the number of plays, likes, comments, and other engagement data
Important Notes
- Instagram does not allow you to see who specifically viewed your posts or profile for privacy reasons
- View counts on videos and reels increase with each view but are capped or limited in some cases (e.g., view count shown only for the first 24 hours or capped at 200 views on some posts)
- Personal accounts do not have access to Insights or view counts beyond basic likes and comments.
Summary
Content Type| Account Type Needed| How to See Views| Notes
---|---|---|---
Video Post| Professional| Tap post > View Insights or view below video| Shows
total views
Photo Post| Professional| Tap post > View Insights| No view count, only likes
and comments
Reel| Professional| Tap reel > View Insights| Shows plays and engagement
metrics
Personal Account| N/A| Views not available| No view counts or insights
available
Switching to a professional account is essential to access view counts and detailed analytics on Instagram posts and reels
